Response to House passage of public lands package

Response to House passage of public lands package

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Natural Resources Management Act 363-62. The Senate previously passed this public lands package 92-8. It now heads to the President’s desk, where a signature is expected. Conservation Northwest issued the following response supporting the passage of this historic legislation:

“Conservation should never be a partisan issue,” said Chase Gunnell, Communications Director. “The passage of this package is huge, but what’s especially inspiring is that Washington’s entire Congressional delegation, every Republican and every Democrat, voted to support our public lands, waters and wildlife. A century ago Teddy Roosevelt used popular support for nature conservation as a tool to help unite an increasingly divided America. Today’s vote shows the same is possible today.”

“We are deeply grateful to Washington’s entire delegation for voting yes on this important legislation, and especially to Senator Maria Cantwell for her steadfast leadership in sponsoring S.47 and championing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the protection of the Methow Headwaters, and other critical conservation issues” said Gunnell. “Washingtonians and Americans across the country should celebrate this historic victory for our shared natural heritage.”

More information on the passage of the public lands package is available in this article.

Mount Baker towers over the San Juan Islands, where the Land and Water Conservation Fund has improved public access and protected important habitat for fish and wildlife. Photo: Chase Gunnell